Eindhoven participates en masse in 'Give a coat and warm a heart' fundraiser

For the fourth year in a row, 'Samen voor Eindhoven' collected winter coats for people living in poverty and for the homeless in the city. The kickoff of the action was done by former PSV player Björn van der Doelen.

In a vlog, Van der Doelen called on everyone to turn in a coat at one of the collection points. Companies and individuals responded en masse. Marbritta van Boldrik of 'Samen voor Eindhoven' is more than satisfied with the number of donated coats. Van Boldrik: "Some 2200 coats have been donated. All coats are checked by volunteers from companies that have donated. In addition, there are also volunteers from organizations helping who are going to make sure the coats end up with the right people."

Eindhoven Airport

Eindhoven Airport is one of the companies that collected coats. Mieke is employed at Eindhoven Airport. For the third year in a row, she is helping with sorting. Colleague Erik is helping for the first time, kindled by Mieke's enthusiasm.

Mieke: "Collecting coats and then helping to sort them is low-threshold and useful. Plus: it also makes me happy myself, a win-win situation".

All coats are provided with a handwritten card with "a warm greeting. In addition, foundation clothing exchange studio #Awesome from Eindhoven has made hearts. These hearts will be attached to the coats by refugees from 'The living room for refugees'. With a heart, the new owner of the coat can get two free coffees from involved hospitality entrepreneurs at five locations in Eindhoven.

Van Boldrik: "It is not natural for everyone to get coffee somewhere. With this action, it can now be done for once. So we literally give something extra hot."

Homeless shelter

The by-catch of the collection campaign (think clothes and shoes) goes to the homeless shelter in Eindhoven, among other places. The broken clothes are not thrown away either; a destination has also been found for them.

The Zaam foundation receives the clothing; the proceeds are donated to charity, in this case children with burns. Van Boldrik: "Everything is used, nothing is left behind. Together with the companies that helped and all the volunteers, we had another successful action. We are not called Together for Eindhoven for nothing."